CHARACTER•Sahih Muslim (2599) & Sahih al-Bukhari (5997)

Universal Mercy (Rahmah lil-Alamin)

رَحْمَتُهُ بِالخَلْقِ أَجْمَعِين

“Mercy encompassing companions, opponents, women, orphans, animals, and the natural environment.”

Classical Shama'il Narration

Allah describes him: 'And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds' (21:107). When urged to curse the pagans who wounded him, he replied: 'I was not sent to curse; I was sent only as an invoking mercy.' His mercy extended to children — he would kiss his grandchildren Hasan and Husayn. When a desert Arab remarked, 'I have ten children and have never kissed any of them,' the Prophet ﷺ looked at him and said: 'He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.' He rebuked a man who distressed a small bird by taking its chicks: 'Who has caused this bird grief by taking its young? Return its chicks to it!'

Primary Hadith Citation (Sahih Muslim (2599) & Sahih al-Bukhari (5997))

إِنَّمَا أَنَا رَحْمَةٌ مُهْدَاة

“I am only a gift of mercy sent by Allah.”

Spiritual Reflection for the Believer

The prophetic benchmark of faith is active, heartfelt mercy extended unconditionally to all living beings.

Scholarly References

Al-Mustadrak al-Hakim (100)
Sahih al-Bukhari
Sahih Muslim

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